Category: Beauty

I’ve always been a fan of Agoo Bengzon. She is my go-to girl when I need beauty inspiration as she is not only incredibly knowledgeable on the subject matter, she has amazing skin, hair and nails to prove it. I’ve looked up to her since her days as a beauty editor for Preview Magazine, and when I took the same position for another magazine, my goal was to be like her. She is stylish, intelligent and super chic. Oh, and she has beautiful hands and feet–her posts on Instagram always garner hundreds of likes and comments!

That’s why when Agoo personally invited me to the launch of her nail polish line, in collaboration with local brand Girl Stuff Forever, I immediately confirmed! This is such a well-deserved collection. If anyone should have a nail polish line, it is Agoo.

And here it is!!! Three gorgeous shades that would make any one’s tips and toes look as good as Agoo’s. They are Posse (dark blue), Smitten (bright pink) and Cloud (lilac). The colors are on trend for sure, but also very classic and elegant. The best part: they look good on all skin colors and tones! I cant get enough of these.

The launch/spa party was held at Nail Spa salon in Makati. The establishment is known for amazing mani-pedis, and it is owned by Agoo’s good friend, Pauline Suaco-Juan (former EIC for Preview).

Excuse my gnarly toes, but I just had to show you how good this shade looks!

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It is no big secret that La Mer, one of best skincare brands in the world, has been committed to supporting the protection of ocean habitats. They’ve been doing this for more than a decade now, through charitable donations, awareness-raising initiatives and local marine beautification projects. It is one of the many things I love about the brand, as it gives back to the ocean (where the cream’s precious ingredients are sourced).

Today, La Mer focuses its ocean protection efforts as never before by introducing a new pledge to protect their muse: the La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund. The fund launches with a focus on supporting Marine Protected Areas and strengthening La Mer’s ongoing ocean conservation efforts around the globe.

Working in partnership with ocean conservation organization Project 0, La Mer sponsored an art trail to help effect real change for the ocean through art awareness and connectivity. The La Mer Wave Walk in aid of Project 0 included 50 works of art designed by artists, tastemakers and conservationists. The art installations were unveiled throughout New York City last June 8. It culminated with an auction wherein 100% of net proceeds from the auctions went to La Mer Blue Heart Oceans Fund and Project 0 to help support restoring and protecting MPAs around the world.

Every year, La Mer takes to the shores and beaches to help beautify and inspire others to do the same. To make a meaningful impact in local communities, La Mer team members around the globe dive in and give their time to marine conservation efforts, ranging from beach cleanups to artificial coral planting, and helping to restore surrounding areas for generations to come.

For those of you who haven’t heard of Project 0, well, you’re not alone. It is actually a new movement for ocean conservation, which consists of campaigners, celebrities, business leaders and ocean experts who all work together to achieve a single objective: to restore and protect the ocean. Their goal is give voice to the ocean to raise funds and awareness that will hopefully put 30% of the ocean under protection by 2030. This effort includes rebuilding coral reefs and mangrove forests, restore fisheries and clean up the ocean.

As La Mer creates yet another expression of our love for the beauty of the sea, the coveted Creme de la Mer jar becomes a canvas for their annual artistic homage to the ocean. Watercolor waves open up a new world of beauty with this year’s limited-edition sea-inspired design for the nourishing, ultra-renewing Creme de la Mer. The Limited Edition Blue Heart Creme de la Mer (100ml) is P26,000, and will be exclusively available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-la, Alabang and Cebu.

Oak isn’t your typical scent. Usually we smell sandalwood or cedar wood in our favorite fragrances, but oak, well, that’s what makes The English Oak so special. Oak is described by Master Perfumer Yann Vainer as a beautiful, noble wood. It is unique, majestic and mysterious. I completely agree. This collection is anything but ordinary, and can be worn in many ways as you can easily layer each fragrance to create something completely different.

For example, layer English Oak & Hazelnut with Basil & Neroli to get a lively, citrus scent that’s a little flirty (perfect for a date). Try English Oak & Redcurrant with Blackberry & Bay for a truly fruity combination (great for everyday wear). Or combine together for a fresh, spicy fragrance highlighted with a bright and juicy twist (I’m thinking a work-fragrance).

The Baby Barangay happily joined the intimate launch and discovered the many ways of wearing Jo Malone fragrances. We absolutely love this newest collection, and we’ve actually been using it with our favorite Jo Malone scents. The English Oak will be available on September, so watch out for it.

English Oak & Redcurrant // English Oak & Hazelnut

Cologne 100ml P7,500

Cologne 30ml P3,750

Available in September

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I have always been a fan of Burt’s Bees. I discovered it back in high school and since then I just could not live without it. Until now, I still carry the small yellow tin of minty moisturizing lip balm with me in my purse, as it does the job to keep my lips chap-free. Apart from this, I also love their moisturizing lip tints, and now I am obsessed over their gorgeous moisturizing lipsticks!!!

As expected from the brand, Burt’s Bees lipsticks combine intense color and conditioning 8-hour moisture–something you don’t get in most lipsticks. These are full-coverage, and deliver vibrant color in 18 shades. I love that they’re made with 100% naturally moisturizing ingredients like moringa and raspberry seed oils, as these are known to help soften and condition lips all day long (in case you didn’t know, Moringa Oil is full of essential fatty acids that help soften and condition skin, while Raspberry Seed Oil improves skin elasticity, keeping your lips feeling supple and smooth). It really is a dream lipstick–what I like about it is that it delivers a smooth, satin finish that is great for everyday wear.

So of course, I had to attend the launch. I went with my Baby Barangay ladies, Bianca and Nicole and we all enjoyed an amazing feast at Manila House. Apart from trying on different shades, I ended up exploring the gorgeous venue. Apparently, you can also do your home shopping here as they sell one-of-a-kind plates, cutlery, wine and water glasses, and art! If you haven’t been, it is time to schedule a date–the place is decked out in fabulous furniture, noteworthy art, and oh, the food is excellent.

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Fragrance is a powerful thing. It is strong enough to give a lasting first impression, change our mood and give us a surge of newfound confidence or energy. And yet it is all very subtle–we never really think about these things; it kind of just happens. It feels very much like second nature, but at the same time we can totally manipulate the situation just by using our favorite perfume. With just a few sprays we can switch from feeling girly and sweet to sexy and sultry, and command the right kind of attention. I cant think of anything else that can do it like fragrance can.

This explains my growing collection of fragrances–for me, there is a perfume for every occasion, event and meeting. And I can never leave the house without putting on the right fragrance. When I don’t, it feels like something is missing, like I left my purse at home. I’m pretty sure I am not the only one who feels this way.

So, I wanted to share my new favorite: it is a limited edition fragrance called Michael Kors Sexy Blossom. It is a floral, woody musk inspired by spring and its most beguiling flowers. Warm, feminine and sexy, this gorgeous scent will have you wanting for more. I fell in love with it as soon as I opened the bottle, and loved it even more when I wore it on my skin.

Its fruity-floral scent is sweet and feminine but also very light and flirty. I think it is a great ‘day fragrance’, as it immediately puts you in a light and happy mood. This is definitely what you should wear when you want your crush to notice you, or when you’re feeling very girly.

Initially, you will smell hits of Sweet Lychee infused with romantic Rose Petals and fresh Dewy Leaves. At the heart, a bouquet of Peony, Muguet and Freesia emerges to complement Pink Orchid, which gives the fragrance its delicate warm notes. The dry down evokes velvet woods like Ambrox, Musk and Sandalwood–all adding to its sweet and feminine scent.

TOP NOTES: Lychee, Rose Petals, Dewy Leaves

MID NOTES: Pink Peony, Pink Orchid Accord, Muguet, Freesia

DRY NOTES: Ambrox, Musk, Sandalwood

Apart from the alluring fragrance, the fuchsia-tinged bottle is modern and fresh. It perfectly suits its name: Michael Kors Sexy Blossom.

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This isn’t something I readily admit to, because to be honest, it is embarrassing. But I thought I might as well share it here because it might benefit someone who is going through the same thing. Okay, here it is: I’ve struggled with rough, callused feet for years. And I’ve tried everything (literally EVERYTHING) to get nice, smooth skin again but nothing has worked. I get foot spas regularly, which help, but only temporarily. Because in time my skin actually gets thicker and my calluses get worse. And even after I’ve just done a foot spa, my skin never really feels baby soft. Like my skin still snags on my sheets when I’m in bed, which is so annoying and gross at the same time. Haha I still can’t believe I am sharing these things with you. I’ve never told anyone these things, and have silently struggled with it for years!

The reason why I am oversharing is because I have finally discovered a solution and it super works. Like I can confidently put my stamp of approval and tell you if you try it today, you will get super soft, smooth feet again. It is called Footlogix Pediceuticals, and it is a revolutionary foot-care line formulated to provide super effective, transformational care for a variety of skin conditions affecting the feet. For everything foot-related from simple dryness to more severe conditions resulting from Diabetes, Footlogix has a solution for it. The best part: the entire line is free of synthetic oils, which actually enables the mousse to penetrate the outer layers of the skin instantly, leaving no greasy residue.

So I got to try the Footlogix line at Kallista Nail Pamper Lounge at S Maison in Conrad Manila (Mall of Asia Complex) and wow, in one session I have become a fan and a believer of the brand because IT REALLY WORKS. My feet have never felt softer and all traces of rough skin or calluses are gone. It is super effective, and I really want everyone to try it because you wont ever struggle with this problem again.

Okay, so let me share with you what Footlogix products were used for my foot spa at Kallista. I’m posting the videos I took from IG Stories that day, so you’ll see how relaxing and effective it was. It really is a must-try, especially after a long, tiring day.

The foot spa was done in five easy steps! I super enjoyed it, and it was the most relaxing thing I did the entire week. I will surely come back for more and make it a bi-monthly habit.

I did the foot bath first, which was composed of warm water and Footlogix Foot Soak. It was super relaxing and had a nice, minty feeling to it. This melted away the tiredness from my feet.These products are like gold–they super work and keep your feet nice and soft.

So, of course, I had to show a BEFORE photo. This is what I mean by thick, rough skin that grows over time even after getting regular foot spas. It never goes away, and it only gets thicker in time. This is what Footlogix can erase as it can bring back your soft skin!

This is the second step: EXFOLIATION. Footlogix Exfoliating Seaweed Scrub was used to gently remove dead skin, which felt so good. The beads were not at all abrasive, as it was made with organic, micro algae and blended with essential oils.

Then, for step three, Footlogix Callus Softener was applied on my feet. It wasn’t much–a few sprays was all it took to soften the rough patches. This is guaranteed safe for diabetics as it is non aggressive.

After, the special Footlogix Exfoliating Foot File was used to remove all the calluses and thick skin. This file is made with high-quality stainless steel and has a multi-dimensional grit that will not shred skin. This really works!

For the next step, my feet were treated to Footlogix Very Dry Skin Formula to rehydrate my skin and bring it back to life. This also ensure no more rough skin or calluses form after.

Lastly, we got to my favorite step: that wonderful foot massage that I super needed! Footlogix Massage Formula was used on me. This felt sooooo good!

After the foot spa, I was one happy customer. My feet is nice and soft again! I am absolutely happy to have discovered Footlogix and will continue to spread the word until everyone gets to try it. ❤

Thank you, FOOTLOGIX and Kallista Nail Pamper Lounge for this amazing experience. Ill be sure to be back soon. ❤